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墨書 Inktalez
The wheels of the horse-drawn carriage rolled over the cobblestone road, producing a dull rumble that echoed between the towering walls of the Glorious Demon Fortress.
Luna's small body swayed slightly with the bumps of the carriage, her large, dark eyes curiously surveying everything around her.
Though it had only been a few months since she left, the majestic castle seemed to her as if it were from a century ago.
As soon as the horse-drawn carriage came to a halt, the door was suddenly flung open.
A figure in pale yellow dashed forward, bringing with it a gust of wind and the familiar scent that enveloped Luna—Aelia, her mother, with her unique delicate floral fragrance mingled with a hint of barely detectable bitterness.
“Luna! My Xiao Luna!” Aelia exclaimed as she scooped Luna into her arms, holding her tightly as if trying to meld her into her very being.
Luna could feel her mother's trembling body and hear the suppressed sobs that sounded like a wounded little beast, tugging at her heartstrings.
Hot tears soaked through Luna's clothing and seared into her heart.
“Mom…” Luna reached out her small hand, gently patting Aelia's back, her soft voice tinged with an almost imperceptible hoarseness.
Aelia's cries surged forth like a flood breaking through a dam.
“My child, you’re finally back… Do you know how worried I’ve been about you…” she spoke in broken phrases, her voice choked with pain, each word carrying an agonizing weight.
The days Luna had been away felt like an eternity in hell for Aelia.
Rumors spread outside the Magic Castle about Luna being possessed by demons or being an omen of misfortune… With every word she heard, Aelia felt as though a piece of her heart was being carved out, leaving it bleeding profusely.
She lay awake at night, weeping into her pillow, her eyes swollen like walnuts; the once radiant beauty now appeared haggard and worn.
Fear, helplessness, and worry coiled around her like venomous snakes, nearly suffocating her.
“Mom, don’t cry…” Luna’s small hand gently stroked Aelia’s back as she comforted in a baby voice, “Luna is back; Luna is fine…”
Standing nearby, Qin Si was already in tears. She wiped her eyes while choking back sobs and said, “Madam, Young Miss has returned; you should be happy. Come on, there’s warm milk porridge waiting for Young Miss in the kitchen.” Qin Si looked at Aelia's red-rimmed eyes with concern and silently prayed that Young Miss's return would soothe the pain in Madam's heart.
Only then did Aelia become aware of her own emotional outburst. She made an effort to regain control over herself, wiping away her tears with trembling hands before carefully carrying Luna inside.
"My Xiao Luna seems to have lost weight..." Aelia gently stroked Luna, her eyes filled with concern.
She placed Luna on the soft bed, carefully checking her body, afraid that she had suffered even the slightest discomfort.
Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow on Luna's small face, making her look even more adorable.
Luna blinked her big eyes at her weary yet still beautiful mother, a warm current rising in her heart.
"Mommy, I'm not thin. I'm very healthy," Luna said in a baby voice, trying hard to reassure her mother.
Aelia held Luna tightly, feeling her warmth, and the anxiety in her heart gradually faded away.
In that moment, she just wanted to hold her daughter close and never let her out of sight again.
"Luna, are you hungry? I'll have someone bring up some milk porridge right away," Aelia said softly, her voice filled with maternal love.
Luna nodded obediently, snuggling into her mother's embrace and savoring the long-awaited warmth.
Suddenly, a hurried sound of footsteps from outside the door broke the tranquility of the room.
"Aelia! Is Luna back?" a deep voice called out...
The heavy oak door slowly swung open, and Leonard, the lord of Glory Fortress, stepped inside. His face was flushed with relief and anticipation.
"Alistair! Is Luna back?" he shouted, his voice echoing beneath the high ceiling.
His gaze swept across the room until it landed on the small figure in Alistair's arms.
A brilliant smile broke out on his usually serious face.
After receiving this joyful news from the messenger owl, he had rushed back from his "business trip" outside the castle.
He hardly noticed the cobblestone road beneath the wheels of the horse-drawn carriage as his heart raced wildly within his ribcage.
Following closely behind him was his third son, Lucius, whose expression was both shy and excited.
He had always doted on his Sister, captivated by her infectious laughter and bright, curious eyes.
Fortunately, the table was already filled with a variety of delicious Magical Snacks—shimmering fruit tarts, fluffy Cloudberry Cake, and several pots of Liang Jing Jing's Spirit Flower honey.
Luna sat on a high stool, happily eating a bowl of porridge infused with Sunstone energy. Her cheeks were rosy, and a smudge of sweet cream adorned her chin.
This warm family scene stood in stark contrast to the anxious atmosphere that had permeated the castle in recent months.
The room was revitalized.
What had once been filled with worry was now brimming with the relief and joy of a family reunion.
Although Alistair's face still bore the marks of recent pain, it radiated a gentle smile.
Even the usually efficient Qin Si, bustling nearby, seemed to move with lighter steps. As she filled Luna's Goblet with wine, she hummed a little tune.
Luna sensed Father’s arrival. She lifted her head from her bowl and, upon recognizing him, her eyes widened in delight.
She laughed joyfully, extending her chubby arms toward him. A sticky little hand left a porridge stain on Alistair's silk Magic Robe.
“Daddy!” she called out, her voice filled with pure joy.
Leonard's heart melted at the sight. He strode across the room and scooped Luna up as if she were a small bear.
He buried his face in her soft, baby-like hair, inhaling her sweet Milk Fragrance.
“My little star,” he murmured, his voice choked with emotion.
“It’s so good to have you home.” He held her tightly, his large hands gently cradling her tiny body, contrasting sharply with his tall and imposing figure.
He stepped back slightly, his gaze falling on something that made his heart skip a beat.
A faint, almost imperceptible Red Glow emanated from Luna, a wisp of energy dancing around her like a mischievous Little Sprite.
But this light... felt different.
A subtle darkness lingered, a strange flicker.
Could it be...?
His blood ran cold.
Was she... tainted?
The thought sent chills down his spine.
The rumors about Black Magic and the malevolent Mo Ying, which had tormented Alistair, now flooded his mind, stirring a primal fear deep within him.
He trembled as he pulled a small crystal ball from his pocket, its surface shimmering with rainbow hues.
He extended the ball toward Luna, his voice taut with concern.
"Just in case, my dear," he whispered, his eyes fixed on the crystal as he began to chant a rhythmic Spell softly.
The air in the room was thick with Magical Energy, an unmistakable tension enveloping everyone present.
Alistair watched, breath held, his eyes filled with fear and confusion.
Qin Si gasped, covering her mouth, her face turning Pale.
Even Lucius, who knew nothing of the subtleties of magic, sensed the sudden shift in atmosphere; his lively demeanor replaced by a quiet worry.
Luna felt the tension in the room but was unaware of its cause. She laughed and reached out to grab a handful of Leonard's beard.
The gentle tug interrupted the Spell.
Leonard jumped at the unexpected contact, blinking in surprise, momentarily distracted.
The crystal ball continued to shimmer with Magical Energy, now reflecting pure, bright light without a trace of darkness.
He stared at the crystal for a moment longer before glancing at Luna. The worry in his eyes faded, replaced by relief and a hint of embarrassment.
He chuckled softly, a deep sound resonating in his chest.
“It’s just a concern of a father, my Little Luna,” he said, planting a kiss on her forehead.
“There’s nothing to worry about.”
Leonard settled back comfortably as Alistair began to recount the events that had transpired in the castle during Luna's absence.
“Your brother Alaric has finally lifted the curse,” she announced, her voice filled with pride and relief.
“Since then, his magical abilities have greatly improved. He’s practically a genius now.” A smile crept onto her lips, the first genuine smile Leonard had seen from her in weeks.
“And your Second Son, Kaius… he has finally freed himself from that dreadful magical control. He plans to travel to Dong Island to enhance his skills.” She paused, her smile dimming slightly.
“I think he… he needs some time away from here to rediscover himself.”
Her gaze shifted to Lucius, who had been quietly observing their conversation, a thoughtful expression on his face.
A flicker of concern crossed her features.
“Right now, I’m worried about Lucius,” she admitted softly, her voice barely audible.
“His magic… has stagnated. He seems to have lost his former vitality. Even the healers are at a loss.”
Just then, a knock echoed through the room.
The ever-alert Qin Si went to open the door.
A figure clad in a black Magic Robe entered, the hood obscuring their face completely.
“Lord Leonard,” the person said in a deep and resonant voice, “I’m here to check on young Master Lucius…”
In the evening at the Glorious Demon Fortress, bathed in a warm golden hue from the setting sun, Luna was tightly embraced by Aelia. The Little One nestled against her mother’s neck with chubby little hands, rubbing her pink cheek affectionately.
"Slow down, my lady, take it easy." Qin Si carefully assisted, worried that Aelia might accidentally bump into something.
Ever since she learned about the master's misdeeds outside, the lady's mood had been quite poor. Now that the Young Miss had returned, it was finally possible to see a hint of a smile on her face.
Before they reached the main castle door, a figure hurriedly approached—it was Lucius.
"Mother, Luna!" Lucius exclaimed with delight as he quickly stepped forward, his gaze falling on the little one in Aelia's arms, filled with affection.
"Let me hold her, Mother; you've carried her all this way and must be tired."
Aelia nodded with a smile and carefully handed Luna over to Lucius.
Luna seemed to recognize her Brother San, laughing and reaching out her little hands to touch his face.
"This little one is becoming more adorable by the day," Lucius said, his heart melting as he held Luna and walked into the main castle.
The family chatted and laughed as they moved inside, creating a warm atmosphere that made the surrounding servants feel a sense of comfort.
However, this warmth did not last long.
As soon as they entered the living room, they saw Leonard sitting in the main seat, his expression dark as he looked at them.
"You know how to come back?" Leonard's voice carried a hint of anger as his sharp gaze swept over Luna. "I heard this little one caused quite a stir outside? A mere infant could provoke an Elemental Uprising—it's unheard of!"
Aelia's smile vanished instantly, replaced by cold fury.
"Leonard, watch your words! Luna is your daughter, not some monster!"
"I'm just speaking the truth," Leonard scoffed, his eyes still fixed on Luna as if trying to discern something from her.
Lucius sensed the tension and quickly stepped aside with Luna in his arms, fearful that their father's wrath might harm her.
"Alright, everyone should say less," Aelia took a deep breath, striving to calm her emotions. "We're all tired today; let's discuss this tomorrow."
With that, she ignored Leonard and walked straight toward the inner chamber.
Qin Si hurriedly followed, giving Leonard a fierce glare before leaving.
Lucius held Luna in his arms, watching Mother’s departing figure.
“Sigh…” Lucius sighed, sitting on the sofa with Luna and gently rocking her.
“Little One, you need to grow up quickly so you can protect Mother.”
Luna seemed to understand his words, reaching out her small hand and tightly grasping his clothing.
As night deepened, Aelia lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep.
The events of the day left her increasingly worried about the future.
Leonard's hostility towards Luna made her uneasy.
She knew that to protect her child, she had to become stronger.
“Madam, are you still awake?” Qin Si entered with a bowl of Hot Milk, softly asking.
“I can’t sleep,” Aelia shook her head and sat up.
Qin Si handed her the milk and advised, “Madam, don’t think too much. Young Miss is back; everything will be alright.”
Aelia took the milk, took a sip, and smiled bitterly. “Let’s hope so.”
After a moment of silence, Qin Si suddenly remembered something and said, “Madam, by the way, today I heard from the servants that the situation with several young masters doesn’t seem good.”
Aelia frowned and asked, “What happened?”
“The Young Master’s Magic Backlash is getting worse. The second young master seems to have been badly deceived by his friends. As for the Third Young Master… sigh, he spends all his time indulging in pleasures and doesn’t take cultivation seriously at all,” Qin Si sighed as he recounted.
Upon hearing this, Aelia’s expression grew even darker.
Her husband had betrayed her, and each of her children faced their own problems; it left her feeling utterly exhausted.
“By the way, there’s also Third Young Master.” Qin Si hesitated for a moment and said, “I’ve heard that Third Young Master’s Magical Fluctuation has been a bit unusual lately, as if there might be some hidden danger.”
“What?!” Aelia suddenly stood up, her face changing dramatically. “Why didn’t you mention this sooner?”
“I only heard about it today,” Qin Si quickly explained. “However, I’ve already sent someone to summon the Magic Physician. I believe we’ll have results soon.”
Aelia anxiously paced around the room, her heart filled with worry.
What would she do if Lucius really had a problem?
Just then, a knock came from outside the door.
“Madam, the Magic Physician has arrived!”
Aelia hurriedly opened the door and saw an elderly man in a white Magic Robe standing at the entrance.
“Please, come in!” Aelia quickly welcomed the Magic Physician into the room, her heart racing with anxiety.
She didn’t know what Lucius’s condition would be like…
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